2 Backpacking Hiking Secrets You Should Always Bear In Mind
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Keywords: backpacking hiking
Backpacking hiking should always be an enjoyable adventure. It should give a person a good idea on how to travel on foot to various sites while making the most of what Mother Nature has to offer. It is a good way to really see specific locations up close, and learn just how physically fit you are. However, many people, particularly novices of this kind of physical activity, almost always end up disliking their time on the nature trails. This is due to their lack of physical and mental preparation and poor packing skills.
In order to really get into backpacking hiking, here are a few tips on how you can make your time more enjoyable.
1. Prepare yourself in every possible way. You have to remember that hiking is a physical and outdoor activity. This means that you will be walking and exposed to the elements for most of the day. This also means that you will be carrying a considerable amount of weight on your back and exposing yourself to possible local hazards. Heading on out to the nearest or fanciest nature trail without preparing yourself physically and mentally can make things harder for yourself.
If possible, do a series of cardiovascular exercises (e.g. walking, jogging, swimming) everyday to build up your stamina. Learn the trails beforehand and | or study the maps of the area so that you know which routes you should take before heading out. Always get the proper gear and more importantly, take the time out to break in your stuff before you need to use them.
For example: your new pair of hiking boots needs to be broken in about a month (or at least a week) before you hit the trails. This is the best way to avoid all forms of foot related injuries. Take the time out to learn how to use first aid kits, your GPS system or compass, and other backpacking hiking paraphernalia you are planning to take along.
Also, doing a few mental exercises can make things easier to bear too. Create and revise emergency measures in case of medical emergencies or unwanted animal encounters (snakes, bears, wasps, etc.) Have a plan as to how fast or slow your walking time should be especially if you traveling with elderly people or very young children. Make sure that you plot out several safe resting spots on your route, and try to figure out specific time when you can rest your feet, eat and even sleep while on the trail.
2. Always bring along a change of clothes, socks and footwear. Many first time hikers do not do this, simply because they want to lighten their backpack load, or because they do not know the importance of these. Spare clothes will keep pneumonia and dehydration away especially if you are sweating profusely on a very warm or humid day. In case you get caught in an unexpected downpour, changing into dry clothes will prevent the onset of colds and fever.
Changing into a clean pair of socks will offer relief to your tired feet and keep out bacterial or fungal infection as well. The last thing you need is to hurt your feet while you are on a long trek. Extra footwear, preferably waterproof slippers or slip-ons will allow your feet to breathe while you are on a break.
You can even use these if there is a nearby stream where you can rest your feet in. Just make sure that you dry your feet completely before putting on socks and your backpacking hiking boots back on. |
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Author Resource:-
Kellie is an expert when it comes to Backpacking Hiking. To find out the latest News and Tips on Backpacking and Hiking, visit Backpacking Hiking at http://backpackinghiking.net/
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By :
Jessie Stone
Submitted
2010-10-14 19:45:55 |
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